Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this incredible Chunky Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas! Packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a symphony of aromatic spices, this vegetarian delight is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a delicious, satisfying meal, this recipe promises to transform your dinner experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and dicing them into uniform chunks: chop onions, dice carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and bell peppers to the pot, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, stirring to distribute the spices evenly and enhance their flavor profile.
- Add diced potatoes and drained chickpeas to the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring all vegetables are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low-medium and cover.
- Simmer the stew for approximately 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent bottom scorching and checking vegetable tenderness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Uniform Chopping: Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Spice Layering: Toast your spices briefly in the pot before adding vegetables to enhance their depth and release their essential oils.
- Broth Quality Matters: Use a high-quality vegetable broth or make your own for an extra flavor boost.
- Slow Simmer Secret: Resist the urge to rush the cooking process. A low and slow simmer allows flavors to develop and vegetables to become perfectly tender.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, celery, or spinach to make the stew your own.
- Storage Tip: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
